16 minute read
Inspire Magazine September 2019
HOUSE OF TRAVEL CONTRIBUTORS
Customer Engagement Celeste Ryall
Africa Shelley Adkins
Australia Julia Bozich
South Pacific Natalie Von Dincklage
North America Gabrielle Brown
Asia Paula Watson
UK & Europe Angela Webber
South America John Shillibeer
Touring John Crouch
Cruise Jeff Leckey
Design and words Beth Allison
Contributors Prue Dunbar, Camille Wathle, Jessica Rogers
INSPIRE is a House of Travel publication that showcases the latest travel news, tips and inspiration from our travel consultants.
ON A SOLO ADVENTURE.
HOT TIPS / SOLO TRAVEL EDITION
We’re often asked about solo travel and with good reason: It’s a great way to get out there! House of Travel can even match you with a room share. Here are some of our favourite ideas.
Safari for one, please.
One trick for savvy solo travellers is avoiding hefty single supplements. Solitary creature? Join fellow singles for a stay at South Africa’s Makutsi Safari Springs, which charges guests the same price, whether or not they travel in a herd. Sitting on 12,000 acres of pristine wildlife conservation reserve, it offers comfortable stays and fantastic game viewing.
Solo specific.
Take an overnight boat ride in Halong Bay or a heart-pounding motorbike tour through Hue on one of Intrepid’s most popular tours, the Vietnam Express. Here’s the catch: Some departures are specifically for solo travellers. Book a private room for a negligible fee. Either way, everyone will be in the same, er, boat.
The new singles cruising.
Some of our top cruise lines offer staterooms designed for just one! Norwegian Cruise Line boasts Single Studios on its resort-style ships, which you’ll find heading to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Sea. Even better, the ships offer singles lounges and informal meet-ups. Social solos easily meet dining companions or friends for life. Meanwhile, Cunard offers Single Staterooms on all three of its Queens — with prices to match. No surprise these rooms are extremely popular. We recommend booking early.
All the single ladies.
Women’s-only small group tours are really taking off. Nearly 80 percent of travellers join these groups alone, so you’re sure to find instant friends. House of Travel can even match you with a roommate before you depart. And just like that, somebody to share the bottle of Rosé!
Sweet Retreat
One of the best things about travelling alone is the chance to completely recharge. Ask us about a place where you can escape the reach of everyone on your contact list. We’ll connect you with The Retreat on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Its 5-night Revive & Renew experience includes yoga, nature hikes, massage, hyper-healthy meals and more. Too far? Ask us about options in Bali.
Come talk to us about even more solo travel options and set off on your own holiday.
POSTCARD-PERFECT WILDERNESS.
“To find paradise smack in the centre of Vancouver Island, head to Strathcona Park. It’s a stunning mix of mountain peaks, glaciers and the highest waterfall in Canada. Lace up your hiking boots for awesome tramping tracks through dense forests and alpine areas. Or bring a picnic and relax next to crystal-clear lakes. So much of this park remains totally undeveloped and all of it is pristine.”
WILMA BESWICK, House of Travel On HunterReady to float on by? Pop in-store, call 0800 713 715 or visit HOT.CO.NZ to start planning your trip.
THE BIG BUCKET LIST.
DRIVE ROUTE 66 | EXPLORE DISNEYLAND | STAY IN AN OVERWATER BUNGALOW | TAKE AN AFRICAN SAFARI
As part of our new Get a Better Bucket List competition, we asked for your top travel dreams. You gave us heaps of adventurous, offbeat & downright dreamy ideas. Here’s a taste of the top rated experiences.
Explore Santorini while cruising the Greek Islands.
We asked
KELLY CHARLTON HOUSE OF TRAVEL WESTPORT
“With so many incredible Greek islands to explore, I always suggest cruising: It’s easy to unpack once and leave the rest to the ship’s captain! Many of Greece’s most famous islands, like Santorini, are perfect for a short visit: You can take in those iconic hilltop views and still have plenty of time for the beach and the unbelievably fresh seafood in sunny, whitewashed tavernas. The next morning, a new port awaits. I think it’s the perfect way to experience Greece!
My favourite itineraries include Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and Kusadasi in Turkey, where you’ll see the legendary ruins at Ephesus. One-way cruises from Greece to Italy are great options too. There’s a huge range of all-inclusive 3, 4, 7-night and longer cruises with local and international cruise lines. Small ships tend to visit more off-the-beaten-track islands, but larger ships offer more onboard. We’ll find the perfect fit for you: History buffs love Delos, for example, while Corfu offers great shopping and amazing beaches. Let’s chat about where you want to go — and find the ship to take you!”
Hop in a convertible and Drive Route 66 in the USA.
We asked LISA AYRES
HOUSE OF TRAVEL TAKAPUNA
“Route 66 is the stuff of legend — the ultimate American drive! It runs from Chicago to Los Angeles and passes major sights like the Grand Canyon and the Mississippi River (plus some of my favourite gems like historic Blue Swallow Motel in New Mexico and the Old West town of Seligman — where you can grab lunch at Roadkill Café)!
Though it really depends on your itinerary — where you want to stop, how long you’re prepared to drive in a day — I suggest at least 16 days to go the whole way. We can also arrange portions of the drive (like the Grand Canyon to Los Angeles in five days).
As far as which car to take, that depends on how much of a romantic you are! Some say there’s only one car that captures the spirit of Route 66: A convertible Ford Mustang! For the practical, compact cars and SUVs make for easy and economical driving.
I always tell my customers not to miss the Cadillac Ranch in Texas and classic burger spots like Carl’s Drive-In in Missouri.”
Take my family and spend the days exploring Disneyland.
We asked LEAH HERBERT
HOUSE OF TRAVEL BARRINGTON
“Whether you’re young or young-at-heart, you’re in for a magical holiday — I’ve sent couples, families with tweens, toddlers, grandparents, everyone. Disney is always adding cutting-edge rides alongside famous kids classics like Peter Pan’s Flight, Alice in Wonderland and Mad Tea Party. Expect unforgettable moments, whether it’s a greeting from Donald Duck or a dance with Goofy on Main Street. Ask about personalised reservations for an unforgettable meal with favourite characters. I really recommend following the locals and heading to the park early to get ahead of the crowds, which leaves afternoons for pool breaks. The free FASTPass lets you skip ride queues to pack in more fun. Don’t forget to download the Disneyland app to pre-order meals, check wait times and find your favourite characters in the park. And don’t miss Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a whole new part of the park, where you can fly the Millennium Falcon in a crazily realistic simulator. Toast your bravery — or your patience in Toontown — with outta this galaxy cocktails at nearby Oga’s Cantina.”
Wake up in an overwater bungalow.
We asked SAMANTHA JOHNSTON HOUSE OF TRAVEL TAUPO
“Being able to sit on your overwater deck and watch the sun go down is a truly unforgettable experience. There are overwater bungalows around the world, from the Maldives to Malaysia, but our most popular sit in the islands of Tahiti and Fiji. If staying the entire time in an overwater bungalow blows the budget, I love organising room swapping: Enjoy a few nights in a beach bungalow and one or two overwater. Be sure to ask your consultant for a bungalow with direct access to the lagoon — not all offer this. The further into the lagoon you are, the deeper the water and the better the view. Also, you’ll hear about the ‘sunset’ side: Let us know if seeing sunsets from your bungalow is a priority so we can make it happen!”
Walk the Inca Trail and see the sun rise over Machu Picchu
We asked SARAH CROWE
HOUSE OF TRAVEL HIGH STREET LANES
“The Inca Trail follows ancient paths high into the Andes. The 4-day, 3-night hike is about 40 kilometres, much of it steep. But anyone who’s done it will tell you the views are worth every step: Incan ruins, cloud forest and majestic valleys are laid out like breadcrumbs en route to Machu Picchu. Local law requires trekkers have a permit and guide, so talk to us about our favourite tours, which sell out up to a year in advance. If you’re keen for the sights but not the trek, take a scenic train ride from nearby Ollantaytambo. You’ll also love Cusco, the beautiful colonial city where your experience begins. It’s worth staying a few days to acclimatise to the altitude before your trek — or just to try Chica, a traditional Andean tipple made from yellow maize!”
Rug up and Cruise Antarctica.
We asked FERNANDO DE RITO
HOUSE OF TRAVEL NEWMARKET
“This is hands down one of the world’s most stunning destinations — a truly untouched frontier. It’s so hard to describe the unspoiled wild of it or how truly far you’ll feel from the world when you get there.
Antarctica is so remote that cruising is the only way to see it. Expeditions run from November to March, when temperatures are highest and the sun barely sets. There are heaps of choices, so talk to a consultant about what you’re looking for. Larger ships keep pricing slightly lower — at least by Antarctic
standards — but they don’t always put you on shore, as there are strict rules for tourism here. Smaller boutique and expedition ships come with slightly higher price tags, but you can expect to land for adventures like snow-shoeing, trekking and kayaking, plus get onboard extras like lectures on the region.
The most incredible thing about cruising has to be the 3600 views from the deck — peaks rising from the sea, bobbing icebergs, cresting whales. Take it all in while staying cosy inside with a glass of Malbec!”
Soak up the magic of Christmas in New York.
We asked SUSAN BERNARD
HOUSE OF TRAVEL LAKERS GORE
“New York City is an unbelievable place. I’ve heard people say it’s everyplace in the world at once, and I think they’re right. But at Christmastime it’s downright magical. Think snow-dusted streets lit up with decorations, festive restaurants and hotels covered in balsam, carols everywhere.
There are unforgettable sights, like the iconic Christmas tree lighting up Rockefeller Center, the ice skaters zipping around Bryant Park and the store windows along Fifth Avenue. I love to recommend the famous Rockette’s Christmas Spectacular at historic Radio City Music Hall or New York City Ballet’s iconic The Nutcracker, complete with falling snow and a Christmas tree that grows on-stage.
Explore outdoor Christmas markets throughout the city, then warm up with a pure hot chocolate at Sant Ambroeus or a steaming hot toddy at Rolf’s, where you’ll find hands down the best decor in the city. And if you’re travelling with wee ones, don’t miss Macy’s Santaland — the Macy’s from the movie Miracle on 34th Street.”
Wander beneath the famous Cherry blossoms blooming in Japan.
We asked NATHAN BARTLETT
HOUSE OF TRAVEL ASHBURTON
“The cherry blossom, or sakura, is an integral part of Japanese culture. In Japan, you’ll not only find thousands of cherry trees across the country, but sakura even in ice cream and soda! Blossom festivals are held throughout the country with parties called hanami — “flower viewing.” They’re beautiful at night, with lanterns lighting the trees. On Japan’s southern islands, blossoms can open as early as January; on the northern island of Hokkaido, they bloom as late as May. When we plan your trip, we’ll look at which areas will be in full bloom during your stay. For example, blossoms typically open in Tokyo about a week before they do in Kyoto.”
See the sky painted by The Northern Lights.
We askedANNA BELL HOUSE OF TRAVEL KERIKERI
“Seeing the Northern Lights means looking for places with a magnetic latitude above 55 and low light pollution…in other words, you’re getting well off the beaten track! I’ve sent customers to Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Scandinavia, and even northern Scotland to chase the Lights.
For the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis, you’re after clear, dark skies from the end of September to early March. We can even arrange a truly Bucket List-worthy glass igloo stay, where you can stare up at the Lights from the cosiest of beds.
My favourite suggestion for Lights spotting is probably Iceland. Even leaving aside the aurora, it’s an incredible place to visit, with stunning glaciers, massive geysers, huge waterfalls and fascinating Viking history. But in terms of where it sits on the globe, it’s an aurora viewing jackpot. You need the weather to cooperate, but Iceland’s famous coastal drive lets you chase clear skies. On a particularly good night, you can even spy Lights from the capital Reykjavík: Locals watch from the Grotta Lighthouse.”
Spot new friends on safari anywhere in Africa.
We asked BRENDON MAGUIRE HOUSE OF TRAVEL NELSON
“Safaris can suit all budgets! Many African countries offer private game reserves in addition to national parks, with plenty of ways to visit — even self-drives for complete independence. Small group tours offer bush camping, guesthouses and luxury hotels. With a larger budget, I love to recommend private game lodges, which offer exclusive wildlife viewing only to their guests. They’re incredible with amazing dining, and you can enjoy morning and late afternoon game drives — plus sundowners at sunset. I suggest staying at camps in different areas of a park to maximise the experience. A lesser known option is a rail journey. The Rovos Rail, for example, leaves Cape Town and travels through Botswana into Hwange Game Reserve in Zimbabwe, visiting Victoria Falls and finishing in Tanzania. With choices like these, we can plan a safari that’s just to your interests.” ■
Postcard from Chicago
Recommended by JENNY NILSSON HOUSE OF TRAVEL HAWKES BAY
“What I loved most about Chicago was the architecture, the incredible mix of art deco and modern styles. An easy walk around this hip city inspired and captivated me. I’m an art nut, so of course I’m going to mention that street art and sculptures were amazing.
There’s plenty to see and do — riverboat rides and tours like the gangster history of the 1920s. I loved hearing the wild stories about the days of Al Capone. A night out with locals listening to jazz at Buddy Guy’s Legends is a definite must-do. Chicago is an incredible gateway city for Kiwis — You can easily explore the northeastern states and it’s the start point for the famous Route 66 drive!” ■
HOW WE TRAVEL NOW
Busting the myths we hear about travel agents.
WE’RE HEADING toward an ‘instant’ era, when nearly anything can be arranged online with a few clicks. This has led some to wonder whether travel agents are relics of a bygone era. At House of Travel, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, thanks to new technology, we’re doing more than ever! Here’s how we add value, expertise, experience and great Kiwi service to your holiday planning.
MYTH 1
At House of Travel, it’s the exact opposite! We have industry resources and strong, long-standing relationships with travel suppliers that mean we get you the best rate possible. “Just last week I had a customer give us a go after seeing our advertisements and she was pleasantly surprised that our prices were lower than what they’d found online,” says House of Travel Milford’s Kirstin Curling. “But as we often say, ‘It isn’t a great price unless it’s a great holiday.’ It’s no good matching the cost for your romantic getaway when the resort we are matching is family-friendly complete with kids club and a hydro slide.”
MYTH 2
Although flights and hotels are a priority when planning a trip, it’s everything else that comes together to make a trip truly special. Our consultants create bespoke holidays to your tastes and preferences. And we organise everything you need to make a great holiday — and ensure you have the right travel insurance for you and your budget. “We often end up doing far more than you’d expect to create the perfect holiday,” says House of Travel Christchurch City’s Belinda Fifield. “From liaising with local florists for special occasions to booking hair and spa appointments, it’s those little extras that make a holiday amazing.”
MYTH 3
We’re excited about what new technology means for us and our customers: We’ll be able to do more, faster! We’re constantly learning the latest trends and upgrading our offerings. “Customers are often surprised that in one search we check all the same booking sites you would at home — plus more that you can’t access,” says House of Travel Howick’s Alison Kearney. “One customer always brings his laptop to compare rates he finds with what I can get. Last time, it was a month-long trip and we matched or bettered the whole itinerary — and added some new ideas he hadn’t thought of!”
MYTH 4
Part of the fun of planning a holiday is looking at the incredible options available, but it can also get a bit overwhelming. We invest heavily in training across all aspects of travel — and importantly, our people are travellers too. “Our knowledge of destinations, hotels and airlines really makes a difference,” says Judy Harkness at House of Travel Calder and Lawson. “From sharing tips like the name of a great tailor in Hoi An or the best gelato in Florence, to booking the best room in a hotel. Our job is answering questions you didn’t know you needed to ask. I recently had a group of ladies enquire about a particular package. After asking what they wanted to do on their holiday and why they chose this package, I suggested a completely different destination that would give them the holiday they were describing. They ended up booking and had a ball.”
MYTH 5
Nobody wants to be hit with sales pitches! We believe a great holiday means an incredible experience at a good value. That means our suggestions should enhance your experience and are never about boosting a commission.
“In our business, word of mouth is critical,” says House of Travel High Street Lanes’ Sarah Crowe. “That’s why we follow up with every customer when they get home. We never make recommendations for our own benefit. We genuinely recommend the best thing for our customer. Last week I made a reservation at a local hotspot for a customer travelling to Singapore. I earned no commission doing this, but I know she’s going to love this experience. We are all about going the extra mile to create incredible holiday experiences.”
MYTH 6
Actually, we encourage your research, which we can combine with our expertise to create the best holiday for you — it’s our brand promise. “I really like to chat about what my customers have found. It helps me create their perfect holiday,” says House of Travel Nelson’s Amanda Radovanovich. “Recently a customer asked me to book flights to Europe. They reluctantly told me they’d already organised an itinerary and hotels. Talking through their itinerary enabled us to adjust it so they saved on airport taxes, replaced flights with rail to avoid time in airports and I managed to save them just over $1000. Some of the changes I suggested ended up being the highlights of their trip.” ■
DEPARTMENT OF WANDERING
The roads best travelled in Europe
We believe Europe is best discovered along its tiny lanes and scenic coastal roads. House of Travel Cambridge's Amanda Tunley picks four of her favourite self-drives.
Wild Atlantic Way
Ireland’s most famous drive. Linger over a pint in friendly fishing villages and admire the dramatic moors and ocean cliffs.
Best time to visit: May through October Typical travel time: 8 days / 7 nights
Head out of Dublin and into the quiet Irish countryside, where jaw-dropping coastal views meet ancient history. Navigate the rugged landscapes of Connemara National Park before arriving to the famed Cliffs of Moher and lively pubs of Galway City. We love the daily traditional music sessions at the pub Tig Coili. Ramble the city’s medieval streets before heading off to the stunning Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry. Stroll scenic paths and explore villages that catch your eye before returning to Dublin.
HIGHLIGHTS
Inch Beach. A stunning stretch of sand with lovely views of the hills along the Dingle Peninsula. You’ll find a small, friendly café and a surf school.
Teeling Whisky Distillery. Stop in for a tasting at this funky distillery in the heart of Dublin.
Fields of France
From the warm beaches and languid evenings of Nice to the fragrant fields of Provence, delights are endless.
Best time to visit: May through October Typical travel time: 8 days / 7 nights
"You'll easily see why so many famed painters were inspired by this gorgeous region. Set out from Nice and head for the sunny fields of Provence, calling in along the way for a cafe au lait in Picasso's home of Mougins. Become lase about incredible views of the Alps and the Mediterranean from Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Aix-en-Provence before turning toward the brilliant colours of the Luberon landscapes. Admire the ancient walls of Avignon before saying, as the locals do, "au revoir" - "until the next time.
HIGHLIGHTS
Abbey de Senanque. Discover this 12th century abbey set deep in a valley outside Gordes.
Villefranche-eur-Mer. A hidden medieval street unfolds beneath the oldest part of a postcard perfect fishing village.
